From left, Mr. John Joshua Duldulao from DepEd, Dean Jason Arriola from DFA-OMMEA, Usec. Revsee Escobedo from DepEd, DepEd Sec. Briones (via Zoom), CDA a.i. Ms. Rachinsky-Spivakov, and incoming Deputy Ambassador Mr. Nir Balzam
By Alithea De Jesus
Photos from Israel Embassy in Manila
Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation – MASHAV donated learning equipment to the Department of Education (DepEd) of the Philippines to help with its continuous efforts in coping up with the COVID-19 pandemic and in providing distance learning to Filipino students.
In a simple ceremony led by Chargé d’Affaires (CDA a.i.) Ms. Yulia Rachinsky-Spivakov, the turnover ceremony of the learning equipment included heavy-duty copiers, laptops, and office printers. DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones witnessed the ceremony virtually while Usec. Revsee Escobedo from DepEd and Dean Jason Arriola from the Department of Foreign Affairs Office of Middle East and African Affairs (DFA-OMMEA) graced the event with their presence.
“COVID-19 pandemic has put a stop to our regular way of transmitting education which is largely face-to-face. Since we are determined to continue the process of learning amidst the pandemic, we have turned to blended learning without the face-to-face component,” Sec. Briones said.
CDA a.i. Ms. Yulia Rachinsky-Spivakov, Usec. Revsee Escobedo from DepEd, Dean Jason Arriola from DFA-OMMEA, and Mr. John Joshua Duldulao from DepEd.
“Thank you very much for this learning equipment that we could use for blended education. I have been thinking of how to select the lucky recipients of these gifts. We will prioritize those who need it the most,” she added.
Furthermore, DepEd Secretary Briones has expressed her appreciation towards Israeli achievements in Science and education and her willingness to develop the bilateral cooperation in these areas.
“We are very happy to give assistance to Filipino students. We are aware of the challenges that DepEd is facing in terms of the blended learning approach due to COVID-19. That’s why we decided to give support to the Filipino youth, teachers, and the DepEd,” Ms. Rachinsky-Spivakov said. She added in Tagalog, “Sobrang masaya kaming tumulong sa mga mag-aaral sa Pilipinas. Sana magamit ito ng maayos at marami ang makinabang.”
During the event, CDA a.i. Ms. Yulia Rachinsky-Spivakov, mentioned President Manuel Quezon who saved Jewish refugees during the Holocaust. “Israel will forever be grateful to the Philippines for that. This is one of our humble ways to pay back,” Ms. Rachinsky-Spivakov concluded.
The turnover ceremony took place at the Embassy of Israel in Manila on August 13, 2020.
Read related story:
https://thephilbiznews.com/israel-donates-medical-equipment-to-ph-government-to-help-fight-covid-19/